How do I book?

Please ensure your visit to St Albans Cathedral, whether guided or self-guided has been booked in with us in advance to avoid disappointment on arrival.

Please email us or call 01727 890212 to discuss your visit and arrange a date. We suggest offering two or three dates in order of preference, as well as letting us know the number of students, year group and activities you are interested in.

Once a date has been agreed, we will send you a booking form and will then send back a confirmation letter with full details of your visit.

Contact us

How far ahead should I book?

It is advisable to book at least a term in advance, especially if you have a particular date in mind. If you are unable to plan this far ahead, please get in touch and we will do our best to accommodate you.  

How many children can we bring?

Depending on your chosen activities, we can cater for up to 120 children per session. Please get in touch for further details.

How much does it cost?

• Guided trails/workshops: Full day visit with two activities: £8.75 per pupil  Half day visit with one activity: £4.75 per pupil
• Roman Festival/Science Festival: £9.25 per pupil
• Worksheet trails: £3.60 per pupil
• Unguided visit: £2.00 per pupil
• There is no charge for accompanying adults
  
  (Lunch space is included with a full day visit.   Charges apply for half day/unguided visits) 
  
  
• Outreach workshops: £130.00 per class (plus admin/mileage) 
• Virtual workshops: £75.00 per class
  
  (Please read more below to find out more about about our Bursary Scheme)

How do I pay?

We will email you an invoice on the day of your visit, which can be paid by BACS or Cheque. Full details will be included on your invoice. 

What if we need to cancel the visit or change the number of attending children?

Bookings can be cancelled up to 6 weeks before and thereafter our cancellation policy applies (you will be provided this information at time of booking). Numbers can be changed by up to 10% up to 2 weeks before.  

Where do we park?

Unfortunately we are unable to offer parking onsite. Coaches usually drop off at the bus stop by the entrance to the Cathedral grounds, near the top of Holywell Hill. 

Coach parking is permitted at Westminster Lodge Leisure Centre, at the bottom of Holywell Hill at a charge. It is a twenty minute walk through the park to the Cathedral, or up Holywell Hill.  

Where do we come on arrival?

Make your way to the Gift Shop/Welcome Centre desk at the front of the Cathedral. A member of staff will contact the Education Centre to let us know that you have arrived. 

Where can we eat lunch?

School groups can eat their lunch in the Offa Room and/or the  Nave of the Cathedral dependant on the size of the group and availability. Please note this space may be shared with another school. 

On warmer days, there is always the option to eat outside on the Abbey Orchard which gives the children the opportunity to get some fresh air. 

Are there toilet facilities near the activities?

There are toilets by the Offa room, Welcome Centre and by the Alban Room. The Cathedral toilets are open to the general public and therefore all children must be accompanied when visiting this facility.  

Is there a shop?

Yes.  The Cathedral Gift Shop is located in the Welcome Centre and you are welcome to take the children in groups of 10 either at lunch or at the end of the day. 

Do you have a Risk Assessment?

Our Risk Assessment is updated annually and we can send you this in advance of your visit upon request. You are also welcome to arrange a visit to us before your trip. 

What is your Opportunities Scheme?  

Our Opportunities Scheme enables us to financially support your visit, covering up to 100% of your activity costs whist at the Cathedral. Every academic year we can support over 1000 pupils in this way. Please contact us to find out more.